Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are a feeling like your heart is missing heartbeats, racing or pounding. You can feel palpitations in your chest, throat or neck.

Palpitations can happen at any time, even if you’re resting or doing normal activities. Although they may be startling, palpitations usually aren’t serious or harmful. However, they can sometimes be related to an abnormal heart rhythm that needs medical attention.

Who does it affect?

Heart palpitations are more common in women and people assigned female at birth, but anyone can experience them.

People can get heart palpitations at different times in their lives. You can get them as a teenager, during pregnancy or during menopause, for example.

How common are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are common. One study found that 16% of people saw their primary care provider because they had palpitations. Also, heart palpitations are one of the most common reasons people visit a cardiologist.